The Vallon chairlift and trail high above Corvara in Alta Badia ski resort.

Apres ski in the Dolomites is a right of passage for every skier!

Shopping in the Dolomites is exemplified by the boutiques of Cortina.

Dolomites food experience is exceptional. Alta Badia ski resort.

Family friendly Gitschberg Jochtal ski resort in the Dolomites.

3 Peaks Dolomites ski resort.

Ski and snowboard the Dolomites. Plose ski resort.

Dolomites

Dolomites (Dolomiti) Italy

The Dolomites ski region provides one of the largest and most delicious ski networks in the world. Named after the limestone rock that is found naturally in these spectacular mountains, the Dolomites offer a unique ski holiday experience. The Dolomiti Superski offers 12 bellissima ski areas connected by 450 ski lifts all under the one lift pass.

The Dolomiti Superski area takes great delight in offering a true Italian foodie experience, as you combine an impressive high alpine environment, beautiful rifugios, history and great skiing with tasty local al dente pasta washed down with your choice of local vino, espresso or café latte. It’s la dolce vita (the sweet life) in the Dolomites!

Dolomites Ski and Snowboard Terrain

The Italian Dolomites have numerous ski resorts, but it is the 12 Dolomiti Superski resorts that attract most of the attention. The Dolomiti Superski offers more than 1,200km of “guaranteed” pistes ranging between 950m and 3,269m in elevation and up to 12km long. The terrain includes high alpine glaciers on the Marmolada; kilometres of perfect piste trails especially good for families, beginners and intermediates; masses of interesting fun-slopes and terrain parks; plus, when the snow is deep, excellent off piste bowl, chute and tree skiing.

The best way to experience this skiing area is with the “Dolomiti Superski” Pass which accesses all the ski slopes, snow parks and lifts that are spread across the Dolomites Superski network.

The Dolomiti doesn’t receive as much fresh powder as Austria or Switzerland, but there are over 4700 snow making machines covering an eye-watering 1160km (97%) of piste runs across the resorts. And what it doesn’t have in the snow stakes it makes up for with beauty. It is so beautiful that it has recently been classified as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.

The Dolomites is famous for two day tours. The Sella Ronda is a busy 36km loop that goes across four of the ski valleys (Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Val di Fassa and Arabba-Marmolada), whilst the Great War Ski Tour (Giro della Grande Guerra) packs in historical landmarks, lots of ski slopes, and even a horse drawn “ski lift” over an arduous 80km.

See the Dolomites Ski Resorts page for more information on skiing and snowboarding the Dolomiti Superski area.

Ski Holidays Italy

An Italy ski holiday in the Dolomites offers a superb cultural experience. Schussing the slopes and ski touring the mountains, valleys and villages is only part of the experience. There is an emphasis on enjoying long lunches, vino, panoramic views and hanging out with the fabulously friendly locals.

Where is the Dolomites Italy?

The main Dolomites (Dolomiti) ski region borders Austria in the north east of Italy and starts about 100km south of Innsbruck. As with most European ski areas, the Dolomites are relatively easy to travel to. For most international travellers to the Dolomites the best gateway airports are Milan Malpensa, Munich or Venice Marco Polo airport. For flights originating in the UK, Europe or Scandinavia, Innsbruck airport in Austria and Verona airport are excellent starting points.

Airport transfer services are available to take you directly to the major Dolomites ski resorts such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, Alta Badia and Val Gardena. Car hire is also available at these airports.

The Italian train operators Trenitalia & SAD can efficiently get you to the Dolomites from Milan via Verona. From Verona one can approach the Dolomites either via the Venezia S.Lucia – Calalzo di Cadore line, or the Fortezza-Dobbiaco railway line. Two ski resorts (3 Peaks & Kronplatz) are directly accessible by train on the line north of Bolzano (Bozen). Two other ski resorts are very close to the train near Bressanone (Plose and Gitschberg Jochtal). Bus transfer services are available for the main resorts and local public buses or taxis will get you to the rest.

Train links from Munich to Innsbruck and the Dolomites via the Brenner Pass are excellent.

Why Ski or Snowboard in the Dolomites?

Whilst the region does not boast the highest mountains or the largest number of glaciers, the Dolomites does offer some of the world's most spectacular and unique alpine environments, tonnes of sunshine, fabulous food and an awesome light show off the pale mountain backdrop throughout the day. The ski terrain on piste is perfectly suited for families, intermediate skiers and snowboarders, lift assisted ski touring and other pleasures such as the local Trentino, Venetian and South Tyrolean cuisine and welcoming and warm village atmospheres.

The interlinked Dolomiti Superski pass, Sella Ronda, Great War Circuit and the massive investment in snow making capabilities demonstrates the passion and ingenious use of technology and cross-region co-operation to provide an excellent skiing and culinary experience to benefit both the tourists and the locals.

And just because you may know a little Italian language, be prepared to hear the local “Ladin” dialect and German. The main language spoken varies from valley to valley, adding to the sense of adventure. If you meet their passion with your passion for their mountains and culinary delights, you should be fine!!

Make the most of your Dolomites ski holiday with a private guide / instructor who will show you many of the great sights & ski areas whilst helping you to improve your skiing. Whilst this example package is based on 7 nights, packages are fully CUSTOMISABLE from 3 days plus and can start from any day of the week.

Make the most of your Dolomites ski holiday with a MIXED GROUP guide / instructor who will show you many of the great sights & ski areas whilst helping you to improve your skiing. Whilst this example package is based on 7 nights, packages are fully CUSTOMISABLE from 3 days plus and can start from any day of the week.

This is the ultimate guided Dolomites powder ski safari incorporating lifts & touring to access the best the area has to offer. Experience a night in a classic mountain hut & ski up to 2,000 m vert descents. Join a "fixed date" tour or get your own group of 4+ together for a custom tour.